One hundred years ago, one of the most famous attractions in Yellowstone was a small spring called Handkerchief Pool. Visitors threw dirty handkerchiefs into the water. The cloths were sucked into the depths, only to emerge a few minutes later, considerably cleaner. Other objects were also thrown into the hot spring, including coins, broken bottles, rocks, hair pins, and a small horseshoe.

The plumbing system of Handkerchief Pool was damaged and eventually the spring became dormant. Today this hot spring has nearly been forgotten.

Credits and Sources:

“Handkerchief Pool,” National Park Service, http://mms.nps.gov/yell/ofvec/exhibits/treasures/thermals/hotspring/handkerchief.htm(accessed 21 May 2015).

National Park Service, "Yellowstone's Photo Collection," accessed September 30, 2015, http://www.nps.gov/features/yell/slidefile/history/1919_1945/visitoractivities/Page.htm.